Your first 5km run-walk, and the lessons I learn from you

May 13, 2015

Dear Max

On Saturday we headed to Delta Park for your first Park Run. The Park Run is a brilliant platform for everyone to come out and get some exercise off road, and it attracts thousands of walkers, runners, kids and dogs at the various venues around the country.

Incidentally, the Delta Park is where my school hosted its cross country and there isn’t a time I go in that I don’t get a bit panicked, thinking about how i battled with cross country – the times my mom didn’t write me an absentee note, that is, or the times I just headed home after school instead of the park.

Anyway, we headed off excitedly, and it was such a privilege to walk-run your first 5km with you. You were strong and chatty, but like me, I think you’re more suited to tar than trail (even though it’s such a gentle trail). You weren’t a fan of the grass and uneven bits, and you fell towards the end, only very mildly scraping your knees (“two drops of blood” you exclaimed).

I was so proud of you my dude. I was proud of you for going a new distance (you had “only” ever done 2.1km), and for pushing through any discomfort. Do I want you to be able to achieve what I couldn’t throughout my school years? Absolutely. Will I try my best to never push you into doing something you don’t like? Absolutely.

At some point, you told me your legs were sore, but that your brain was telling your legs to keep on going. Then after a while, you said that you would be using your “emergency brain”, that part to help your legs when they need them the most.

What a smart outlook, and something I hope to be able to harness too when my legs and body aren’t cooperating with my head (sometimes my head doesn’t cooperate with anything, and then I’m in trouble). In fact, the “emergency brain” concept is great for any tough situations… I think of it as an extra resource for when things are rough, or the end seems unattainable.

I hope running is something you continue to love. I know the value it adds to one’s life, and I so enjoy sharing the sport with you.

If however, it’s not your thing, I will back off swiftly, and will remember that my dreams needn’t go the mileage if they aren’t yours.

Well done on having the head, legs and heart for your first 5km, and thank you for teaching me new ways.